Leinster answer their critics with League successes

This season has been a huge success for the province with the team putting in consistent performances in both the Magners League and in their defence of the Heineken Cup.

Leinster entered this season with many issues surrounding the squad. Despite being the defending Heineken Cup champions, the team were written off by many pundits due to the loss of key players, Rocky Elsom, Felipe Contepomi and Chris Whittaker.

There was also doubt regarding the new signings Mike Ross, Eoin Reddan, Nathan Hines and how they would adapt to the new side.

At the start of the season there were still questions about the likes of Jonathan Sexton and Cian Healy and how they would cope with the pressures of being first-choice. Both players have handled that pressure fantastically and have become regulars in the Irish side.

It hasn’t all been about the likes of Sexton and Healy, though, the emergence of new and exciting prospects into the squad has left Leinster fans excited about the future.

The success of Leinster’s season can be attributed to the new young players that have emerged as fantastic alternatives to established players in the team. Fergus McFadden has had a terrific season and gives fans reassurance that there is life after Brian O’Driscoll.

Sean O’Brien and Kevin McLaughlin has been sensational. The duo has been so impressive alongside the brilliant Jamie Heaslip in the back-row that the massive presence of Rocky Elsom has not been missed as much as it was anticipated at the beginning of the year.

Along with players like O’Brien, McLaughlin and McFadden who have been regulars in the side this year, Leinster fans have also seen some exciting talent emerging recently onto the fringes of the first team.

The likes of Eoin O’Malley, Paul O’Donohoe and Dave Kearney have seen playing time towards the latter part of the season and look to have great futures in the game.